Charging port cleaning: Here is how to do it

Why is my charger port not working?

Often, your phone’s port isn’t working because debris is lodged inside the port. As you move your phone around — from your pocket to your bag, under your pillow to your desk — dirt, dust, and lint collect inside the external ports. The debris blocks the charger’s connections and stops the port from working.

Continue reading to learn how to clean an iPhone port without damaging any components. The steps for lightning ports on iPhones and other Apple devices, as well as USB-C ports on Android phones, are typically the same.

Tools to use to clean your phone’s port

The best tools for cleaning your phone’s port are already in your home: paper towels, cotton swabs, and toothpicks. An air compressor is another useful tool for cleaning a clogged port, but it is not always available.

To clean an iPhone charging port without damaging any components, use soft and dry household items. Don’t worry if you don’t have an air compressor handy; we’ll show you how to clean a charging port without compressed air. But first, here are some things you should avoid when cleaning your port.

Tools to avoid when cleaning your phone’s charging port

Any wet, sharp, or metal household tool should be avoided when cleaning your phone’s charging port. Use no metal, wet substances, or anything sharper than a toothpick. Many YouTube videos show wetting a cotton swab before cleaning out the charging port, but never use water to clean your charging port — it can damage your phone.

The lightning charging port on iPhones can easily collect dust, sand, or lint, which must be gently loosened before clearing. While it may be tempting to use cleaning supplies or wet wipes, refrain. Cleaning your iPhone charging port with alcohol can permanently damage your phone.

What about cleaning the port on your phone with a toothbrush? Don’t do it because the bristles may become loose and become lodged inside. What about blowing into the phone’s port like it’s an old Nintendo game cartridge? Be cautious, as this can exacerbate the problem — your breath isn’t powerful enough to replace an air compressor, and you may end up with moisture in the port.

Tools to use to clean a charging port

• Cotton swabs
• Toothpicks
• Compressed air
• Paper or soft cloth towels
• Anything dry and soft
• A combination of the above

Tools not to use to clean a charging port

• Safety pins, sewing pins, or thumbtacks
• Your breath
• Earrings
• Wet wipes, alcohol, or liquid cleaners
• Anything wet, sharp, or metal

How to safely clean your phone’s charging port

Gather your cleaning supplies (toothpick, cotton swab, paper towel) and let’s begin cleaning your iPhone charging port.

Keep in mind that, while these instructions and photos show how to clean an iPhone’s lightning port charger, the same steps can be used to clean the USB-C ports on most Android phones, including Samsung and Google phones.

1. Switch off your phone.
   1. To loosen the debris, gently insert the toothpick into the port and move it around in a circular pattern.
   1. Examine the port with a bright light while carefully removing any loose debris with the toothpick.
   1. Rep the process, but this time add a small amount of tightly compressed cotton to the tip of the toothpick.
   1. Restart your phone, insert the charging cable into the cleaned charging port, and check to see if your port is fixed and your battery is charging again.
   1. Repeat the preceding steps as necessary.

How to remove sand and other debris

An air compressor is your best bet for removing sand, dust, or other difficult-to-see debris. Clean your charging port by first gently loosening sand with a toothpick. If the charging port on your iPhone is still not working, try using compressed air.

An air compressor is the most effective way to remove sand from a charging port. It’s much less expensive than purchasing a new phone. Most electronic stores sell compressed air in cans.

How to remove water

There could be water in the charging port if it appears clear, with no debris or sand buildup. Simply leave your phone in a dry place for a few hours to remove water from the port. Place the phone against a wall so that the port is on the bottom.

Any water or moisture in the phone should be able to drip out or evaporate with it facing down, leaving you with a clean iPhone charging port.

If your iPhone port is still not working (and you’re experiencing other issues), read our guide on why your phone gets hot or learn how to keep your iPhone from overheating.

Keep your device clean

Check and remove debris from your iPhone’s charging port on a regular basis to avoid dust buildup, which can cause your phone to become broken, damaged, or inoperable. However, cleaning the port too frequently may cause damage to the port. Another option is to use a wireless charger to keep your port clear.

Similar to how physical debris can accumulate in your phone’s ports and other hardware, digital debris can clog its software arteries. Get rid of junk files on your iPhone or clear the cache on your Android to keep your phone running smoothly. You don’t have to do it every day, but good digital hygiene will help you get the most out of your phone.

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